I semi-spontaneously decided to go back to grad school for a fifth certification last summer. I consulted with my husband who said, “As long as you think you can handle it, I can handle things on this end (meaning at home).” I wasn’t sure I could handle it, but I knew that there would never be good time. I’m not eager to become an administrator, but I wanted to be prepared in case a position presented itself that felt like a good move.

I haven’t taken classes in over ten years and I was unsure what to expect. I was nervous about getting my homework done on top of everything else. I was worried about what I would be missing at home. I soon developed the mantra that I could do anything for ten months.

What I wasn’t expecting, was the bond I would form with my fellow classmates, Cohort 71-thirteen passionate educators, but strangers nonetheless. On Saturday, we started our fourth class together. That means we had spent twelve Saturdays together. 96 hours, plus additional hours for our online classes. From the very beginning, we always spend our lunch break together, always dragging extra tables and chairs together to make sure there is room for everyone around the table.

Through all of our class conversations, chats over lunch, and our group text thread-we have come to know who in the group gets their assignments done ahead of time and who will be up late working to the deadline. We know who we can turn to for a laugh and who is struggling with work or personal issues. Mostly, we just know that no matter what, we have each other’s backs.

Our class yesterday began with a reflection on self-care, reflecting on what we do to take care of ourselves, how we can take care of each other, and sharing with our new professor how she could support us through the course. As we each took our turn to share, each member of the class talked about the relationship that has grown among the members of the cohort. Each person echoing the sentiments of the last. A few people talked about the times they wanted to quit. N said, “But no one else quit, so I keep coming back too.”

Taking on grad school right now has been overwhelming at times, but it has helped to know I am not alone. It’s also been pretty amazing to see how new relationships can develop. I feel like we will always be connected and I will always be interested in how these people are doing. We only have seven more Saturdays together. I know I will miss these people when our time together comes to an end.